Artificial rectum and related method

ABSTRACT

An implantable device for selectively controlling defecation has an outer body defining on one end a flange that is surgically attachable to the patient&#39;s anus and/or tissue adjacent to the anus. A connector is mounted on the other end of the outer body and is secured to the distal end of the patient&#39;s large intestine for connecting the large intestine in fluid communication with the artificial rectum. An inner body is slidably received within the outer body. A macerator-type pump is mounted within the inner body and an inlet valve is mounted between the pump and the connector. An actuator in the form of an RF receiver is electrically coupled to the inlet valve and the pump and a remote transmitter is operatively coupled to the receiver. The receiver is responsive to control signals received from the transmitter to open the inlet valve and operate the pump in order to move fecal matter through the artificial rectum.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the devices and methods for controllingthe excretion of waste from the human body, and more particularly, to anartificial rectum and method for selectively controlling defecation incolostomy patients due to colorectal cancer, disease, injury, birthdefect, or other causes.

2. Background of the Related Art

The rectum with sphincter musculature provides the collection point anddischarge mechanism for waste elimination. Cancers of the colon andrectum are two of the most common cancers in the United States.Together, they are referred to as colorectal cancer.

Surgical removal of a malignant tumor is the most common treatment forcolorectal cancer. The diseased portion of the colon and/or rectum isremoved, and in most cases, the healthy portions are reattached.However, approximately 5% of patients with colorectal cancer require acolostomy because of the extent of the disease or its location. In suchcases, a surgical opening is made through the abdomen to provide a newpath for waste elimination, whereby the patient is required to excretethrough a stoma (small aperture in the skin) and into a colostomy bag.Since the colostomy bag can only be used for liquid feces, the surgeonalso removes the large intestine, even though a majority of it might behealthy, in order to prevent the formation of any solid feces andthereby ensure the proper passage of the feces through the stoma andinto the colostomy bag.

A colostomy also may be performed to treat traumatic injuries to thebowel, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, when othertreatment measures fail. Currently, there is a population of about850,000 people in North America that live with the condition, with about7,000 new cases of colostomy due to colorectal cancer reported annuallybased on Cleveland Clinic statistics. Worldwide, U.N. statisticsestimate 3.5 million patients in developed countries alone live withcolostomy.

Several devices have been developed to allow such patients limitedcontrol over their need to eliminate wastes from their bodies. Forexample, U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 2001/00223337 A1 to Lapcevicshows an apparatus that evacuates human waste products from a stomawhich includes a battery-powered or manual evacuator pump activated byan external switch or operator to empty the shortened bowel. Theevacuator assembly is adapted to seal over the stoma during operation,after which it may be removed.

Further examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,322 to Prager which shows astoma control device having a ring for surgical implantation around anemerging bowel. A plug is adapted to fit within the distal end of thebowel which selectively inflates to engage the surrounding tissue andring to block the stoma.

Still further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,899 to Freir shows a prosthesispermanently attached to the distal end of the intestinal tract thatallows waste products to accumulate. Elimination of the waste productsis through a removable assembly of an elastic liner and supportstructure that communicates with the affixed portion of the prosthesisto collect the waste.

In light of the foregoing, a need exists for an artificial rectum whichprovides selective control over the excretion of fecal matter to obviatethe need for removal of the large intestine in a patient and theassociated use of a stoma for collection/removal of waste products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an artificial rectum and method forselectively moving feces through the lower gastro-intestinal tract andout of the body. Accordingly, a principal advantage of the presentinvention is the elimination of the need for a colostomy bag and stomain patients who undergo a colostomy. An inlet to the artificial rectumis operatively connected to the distal end of the large intestine, andcommunicates fecal waste to a one-way liquid-tight inlet valve and pump,such as a macerator-type pump, mounted within an inner bodysubstantially inserted into and retained by an outer body of theartificial rectum. The inlet valve and pump work in tandem to controlthe flow of fecal matter through the artificial rectum and out of thebody. Such a configuration has the added advantage of permitting removalof the inner body from the permanently installed outer body of theartificial rectum for subsequent medical examination of the largeintestine (e.g. coloscopy) or replacement of the inner body and moveableparts mounted thereto. An outlet or tissue ingrowth flange is formed onthe external end of the outer body and can be surgically connected tothe patient's skin surrounding the remaining portion of the sphinctermuscle. In use, the patient actuates a remote control unit, for example,to open the inlet valve and drive an impeller of the pump to dischargefeces therethrough. The patient ceases defecation by stopping theimpeller and shutting the inlet valve.

In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, theartificial rectum includes means for permitting the patient toselectively control the operation of the artificial rectum. In one suchembodiment, control is achieved through the use of a remote control unitfunctionally coupled, such as by RF, to the pump and/or inlet valve.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a one-wayliquid-tight valve extending through a side-wall of the artificialrectum and connected in fluid communication to an outlet conduit toallow the release of gaseous waste.

The present invention also is directed to a method for providingselective control of defecation by a colostomy patient. The methodcomprises the following steps:

providing an artificial rectum having an inlet, an outlet, and a flowcontrol device coupled in fluid communication between the inlet and theoutlet;

connecting the inlet or tissue ingrowth collar of the artificial rectumin fluid communication with a large intestine of the patient;

connecting the outlet or tissue ingrowth flange of the artificial rectumto the anus and/or tissue adjacent to the anus of the patient; and

receiving fecal matter from the large intestine through the inlet of theartificial rectum, and controlling the flow control device toselectively move the fecal matter between the inlet and the outlet, and,in turn, discharge the fecal matter through the outlet to therebycontrol defecation of the patient.

These and other unique features of the artificial rectum and methoddisclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the followingdetailed description of currently preferred embodiments, theaccompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosedartificial rectum and method appertain will more readily understand howto make and use the same, reference may be had to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an artificial rectum for selectively eliminatingfecal matter from a patient, and in particular a sectional view of thelower abdominal and rectal region of a patient having the artificialrectum fully disposed in an operational position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an artificial rectum constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure,wherein the artificial rectum includes an outer body, a connector, aninner body, an inlet valve, a pump, a motor, an RF receiver, a battery,and a cover;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer body of the artificialrectum of FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of the artificialrectum of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the inner body with one-way valveof the artificial rectum of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the inner body taken along line5B—5B of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a normally closed inlet valve ofFIG. 2 in a closed position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the macerator-type pump of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The subject disclosure relates to an improved device and method forcontrolling the discharge of feces from the body. The device and methodare particularly applicable in an artificial rectum, although they maybe utilized in many applications, such as to treat all manner of fecalincontinence, as would be readily appreciated by those skilled in thepertinent art. The advantages and other features of the device andmethod disclosed herein will become more readily apparent to thosehaving ordinary skill in the pertinent art from the following detaileddescription of certain preferred embodiments of the invention taken inconjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodimentsof the present disclosure and wherein like reference numeral identifysimilar structures.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an environment in which therepresentative embodiments of the artificial rectum may be used. Asillustrated, an artificial rectum, designated generally by referencenumeral 10, is substantially enclosed within the lower abdominal regionof a patient and connected in fluid communication between the distal endof the patient's large intestine 12 and the anal sphincter muscle andadjacent tissue 14. The artificial rectum 10 is selectively actuated bythe patient to control the flow of wastes from the large intestinethrough the use of an actuator 15. As described further below, theactuator 15 may take the form of any of numerous different actuatorsthat are currently, or later become known for performing the function ofthe actuator described herein, such as a remote control unit, a switchmounted on the artificial rectum itself or adjacent thereto, or asensor.

Referring to FIG. 2, the artificial rectum 10 includes an outer body 16defining an inlet in the form of a tissue ingrowth collar 18 and anoutlet in the form of a tissue ingrowth flange 20 connected in fluidcommunication with the inlet. As shown typically in FIG. 1 and describedfurther below, the outer body 16 is implanted into the colorectal cavityafter removal of the rectum and anus. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer body16 defines a first inner surface 22 and a first outer surface 24. Thefirst outer surface 24 defines on one end an annular recess forming amounting flange 26 at the outlet or tissue ingrowth flange 20 forsurgical attachment, such as by surgical staples (not shown), to thepatient's anal sphincter muscle or adjacent tissue 14. The first innersurface 22 defines in an upper portion thereof an inwardly-protrudingannular shoulder 28. The annular shoulder 28 engages on one side thereofan inner body 30 inserted into the tissue ingrowth flange 20, andengages on another side thereof a connector 32 inserted into the inletor tissue ingrowth collar 18 of the outer body and fixedly secured tothe distal end of the large intestine 12, as described further below. Ina currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as shownin FIG. 2, the inner seating surface of the annular shoulder 28 issubstantially perpendicular to the first inner surface 22 for engagingthe inner body 30, and the outer seating surface of the shoulder isbeveled to receive a correspondingly beveled surface 34 of the connector32 and distal portion of the large intestine 12 connected thereto, asdescribed further below.

In the currently preferred embodiment of the artificial rectum, and asdescribed further below, the connector 32 and distal portion of thelarge intestine 12 secured thereto form a press-fit seal with the inletor tissue ingrowth collar 18 of the outer body 16. The inner body 30defines a second inlet 36 on its inner end and a second outlet 38 on itsouter end. An inlet valve 40 is mounted to the inner body 30 within oradjacent to the second inlet 36 and is opened to permit the flow offecal matter therethrough. A macerator-type pump 42 is mounted withinthe inner body 30 downstream of the inlet valve 40, and is rotatablydriven by a motor 44 powered by a battery 46 to induce movement of fecalmatter from the inlet or tissue ingrowth collar 18, through the inletvalve 40 and pump 42 and, in turn, through the outlet or tissue ingrowthflange 20 and out of the body. Thus, the macerator-type pump 42 operatesin tandem with the inlet valve 40 to selectively control the flow offecal matter through the artificial rectum, and in turn, out of thepatient's body. However, as may be recognized by those skilled in thepertinent art based on the teachings herein, the valve and/or pump maytake any of numerous different configurations that are currently orlater become known. In addition, the artificial rectum may include apump without any valves, or one or more valves without a pump. Anair-tight removable cover 48 is provided to occlude the second outlet 38when the artificial rectum is not in operation to thereby prevent thefecal odor leaking from the artificial rectum.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inlet valve 40 and macerator-type pump 42are actuated by a remote receiver 50 that is functionally coupled, suchas by RF, to the remote control unit 15 to allow the patient to controltheir operation. As indicated above, the actuator need not take the formof the receiver 50 and/or remote control unit 15, but rather may takethe form of any of numerous different actuators that are currently orlater become known for performing the function of the actuator asdescribed herein. For example, the actuator may take the form of aswitch mounted on an exterior portion of the artificial rectum itself oradjacent thereto on the patient's body. For example, the actuator maytake the form of a magnetic actuator magnetically coupled to a magneticswitch. Alternatively, the actuator may take the form of a sensormounted on or adjacent to the artificial rectum for sensing the presenceof fecal matter at the tissue ingrowth collar 18 or other appropriatelocation, or a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure at the tissueingrowth collar 18 or other appropriate location. In either case, thesensor may transmit a signal to the patient to operate the artificialrectum, or may automatically operate the artificial rectum upon sensingthe presence of fecal matter or sensing a pressure greater than apredetermined threshold pressure.

A one-way valve 52 extends laterally through a side wall of the innerbody 30 and is coupled in fluid communication with an outlet conduit 53extending between the one-way valve and tissue ingrowth flange 20 topermit the release of gas located within the tissue ingrowth collar 18through the artificial rectum and out of the patient's body. In thecurrently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the one-wayvalve 52 is a spring loaded ball-check valve wherein the ball surface isdirected laterally inwardly on the inner body to preclude fouling of theflowpath with solid or semi-solid fecal matter. In operation, as gascollects in the lower intestine, pressure will increase until the springforce holding the ball against its seat is overcome, unseating the ball,and permitting gas to flow. As the gas is discharged, pressure will dropand the spring force will act to re-seat the ball and stop flow. As maybe recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, any of numerous other types of valves that arecurrently or later become known may be equally used for the valve 52 inorder to provide a unidirectional flow path for intestinal gas, such as,for example, an elastomeric check valve or other check valves actuatedby pressure.

In the operation of the artificial rectum 10, the patient removes theair-tight removable cover 48 and actuates the remote control unit 15 inorder to defecate fecal matter. The remote control unit 15 transmits asignal to the receiver 50 to actuate the inlet valve 40 and start themotor 44 to rotatably drive the macerator-type pump 42 and, in turn,move feces from the tissue ingrowth collar 18 through the tissueingrowth flange 20 to thereby discharge the fecal matter from the body.The colon naturally releases a mucous into the tissue ingrowth collar 18and, in turn, into the inner body 30 to lubricate the interior surfacesof the inner body and thereby facilitate the movement of fecal mattertherethrough. Upon completing the defecation, the patient actuates theremote control unit 15 to shut the inlet valve 40 and stop the motor 44.Then, the patient re-installs the air-tight removable cover 48 over thesecond outlet 38.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the outer body 16 is substantially cylindricalin shape and defines the tissue ingrowth collar 18 on one end, thetissue ingrowth flange 20 on the other end, a first inner surface 22 anda first outer surface 24. The first outer surface 24 of the outer body16 has an annular recess defining a mounting flange 26 at the tissueingrowth flange 20 for surgical attachment to the patient's analsphincter muscle or adjacent tissue, such as by surgical staples, asshown typically in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the connector 32 is substantially cylindricalin shape and defines an inlet 54, an outlet 56, a connector innersurface 58, and connector outer surface 60. The connector 32 provides ameans for mechanically affixing the distal end of the large intestine 12to the tissue ingrowth collar 18 of the outer body 16 to thereby placethe large intestine 12 in pressure-tight, fluid communication with theartificial rectum. The connector outlet 56 defines a bevel 34 formed soas to fully engage the beveled seating surface on the shoulder 28 of theouter body (FIG. 2). During installation of the artificial rectum, thedistal end of the large intestine 12 is fed through the connector inlet54 such that the distal end of the large intestine 12 protrudes out fromthe connector outlet 56. As shown typically in FIG. 4, the largeintestine 12 is then drawn back over the beveled surface 34 to fixedlysecure the large intestine to the connector upon slidably inserting theconnector into the tissue ingrowth collar 18 of the outer body, asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 2. As can be seen, the innerconnector surface 58 is substantially cylindrical in shape and smooth inorder to facilitate the flow of colon mucous naturally produced in thelarge intestine through the connector 32 and into the inner body 30. Asshown in FIG. 2, the connector 32 is press fit into the tissue ingrowthcollar 18 of the outer body 16 to seal the inlet to the artificialrectum and fixedly secure the distal end of the large intestine thereto.As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, this method of mechanical engagement between theconnector, outer body, and large intestine is only exemplary, and any ofnumerous other ways that are currently, or later become known, may beequally employed to mechanically affix the distal end of the largeintestine 12 to the tissue ingrowth collar 18 of the artificial rectum.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, the inner body 30 defines a second inlet 62, asecond outlet 64, a second inner surface 66 and a second outer surface68. As shown in FIG. 2, in the currently preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the inner body 30 is substantially enclosed withinthe outer body 16. Referring now to FIG. 5B, the second inner surface 66defines an upper annular recess 70 and a lower annular recess 72 forreceiving an inlet ring 100 and an outlet ring 102, respectively, of theinlet valve 40 (FIG. 6). When assembled, an outer circumferentialsurface of the inlet ring 100 of the valve 40 is seated within the upperannular recess 70 of the inner body to fixedly mount the valve to theinner body 30. The outer circumferential surface of outlet ring 102 ofthe valve 40 likewise is seated within the lower annular recess 72 ofthe inner body 30, but with sufficient mechanical clearance to allowrotational movement of the outlet ring and some travel of the outletring in the axial direction upon opening and closing the valve. Oneadvantage of the inner body assembly of the currently preferredembodiments of the present invention is that such a configurationpermits the removal of the inner body 30 and its associated componentswhile leaving the outer body 16 installed in the patient. Such removalmay be required, for example, for subsequent post-surgical medicalinspection of the colorectal cavity or replacement of moving componentswithin the inner body 30.

Referring to FIG. 6, the inlet valve 40 is shown in the closed position,and includes the inlet ring 100, the outlet ring 102, and an elastomericiris 104 appended to the inner circumference of the inner ring 100 andoutlet ring 102 for controlling the flow of fecal matter therethrough.In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet valve 40 is mounted within theinner body 30 (FIG. 2) upstream of the pump 42. However, as may berecognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachingsherein, the valve 40 may be located downstream of the pump if desired orotherwise required in a particular application. The inlet ring 100 andoutlet ring 102 both define a recess through which fecal matter may flowwhen the inlet valve 40 is open. In the operation of the artificialrectum 10, the normally closed inlet valve 40 is opened by the receiver50 which mechanically rotates the outlet ring 102 relative to the inletring 100, thereby allowing the elastomeric iris to retract from itsnormally twisted, closed position to an open position wherein theelastomeric iris is in a least distended, substantially cylindricalstate. As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art basedon the teachings herein, the valve 40 may take the form of any ofnumerous different types of valves that are currently or later becomeknown for performing the function of the valve as described herein. Forexample, the valve 40 could take the form of a gate valve or a pinchvalve. Similarly, the valve may be actuated in any of numerous differentways that are currently known, or later become known, such as by RF,magnetic coupling, or electronic actuation.

Referring to FIG. 7, the macerator-type pump 42 comprises a helicalscrew-type impeller 200 disposed around a hollow center shaft 202 anddefining a leading edge 204 that protrudes conically from the top of theshaft 202 and a terminal edge 206. The impeller 200 is of a diameter soas to permit its rotation inside of the inner body and preclude the flowof fecal matter when not in operation. The impeller 200 is fixablymounted to the outer surface of the shaft such that when the shaft isrotatably driven by the motor 44 (FIG. 2), the helical impeller 200 issimilarly driven. In operation, when the fecal matter flowing from thelarge intestine 12 comes in contact with the leading edge of the screwimpeller 204, the rotation of the screw impeller creates a shearingforce on the fecal matter, causing it to move down the thread of thescrew impeller. As the fecal matter reaches the terminal edge of theimpeller 206, the fecal matter is discharged as the screw impellercontinues to turn, creating pressure high enough to force materialthrough the tissue ingrowth flange 20 of the artificial rectum. Oneadvantage of the macerator or screw-type pump is its ability to pumpmaterial of variable density without binding because of the relativelywide clearance between the flights of the screw impeller. As may berecognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachingsherein, the pump may take any of numerous different configurations thatare currently known, or later become known, for performing the functionof the pump as described herein. For example, the pump 42 may take theform of a vacuum pump, or may take the form of a plurality of impellersaxially disposed relative to each other.

While the subject invention has been described with respect to certainpreferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the principles and inventive concepts could be applied in anyof numerous different applications. Further, those skilled in the artwill readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can bemade to the above-described and other embodiments of the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims. For example, the components of theartificial rectum can be made of any of numerous different materials, ormay take any of numerous different shapes and/or configurations that arecurrently or later become known. Similarly, the means for implanting theartificial rectum may take the form of surgical staples as describedabove, or may take the form of any of numerous other devices, structuresor methods that are currently or later become known for purposes ofsurgically implanting such devices. In addition, the mechanism forconnecting the artificial rectum to the large intestine may take any ofnumerous different configurations. For example, a tube, conduit or otherconnecting device may be connected between the inlet to the artificialrectum and the distal end of the large intestine. Accordingly, thisdetailed description of preferred embodiments is to be taken in anillustrative as opposed to a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An artificial rectum implantable in a patient forcontrolling defecation, comprising: a first body defining: an inletconnectable in fluid communication with a large intestine of the patientfor receiving a flow of fecal matter therefrom; and an outlet coupled influid communication with the inlet for excreting fecal matter from thefirst inlet therethrough, and connectable to at least one of an analsphincter of the patient and tissue adjacent to the anal sphincter ofthe patient; at least one flow control device coupled in fluidcommunication between the first inlet and the first outlet forcontrolling the passage of fecal matter from the first inlet through thefirst outlet; and an actuator coupled to the flow control device forcontrolling actuation of the flow control device and, in turn,controlling defecation by the patient.
 2. An artificial rectum asrecited in claim 1, wherein the first body further defines an annularrecess for engaging the anal tissue of the patient.
 3. An artificialrectum as recited in claim 1, further comprising a connector forconnecting the colon in fluid communication to the inlet.
 4. Anartificial rectum as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one flowcontrol device is a pump.
 5. An artificial rectum as recited in claim 1,wherein the at least one flow control device is a valve.
 6. Anartificial rectum as recited in claim 1, further comprising a secondbody releasably connected to the first body, wherein the second bodydefines a second inlet and a second outlet and the flow control deviceis coupled to the second body.
 7. An artificial rectum as recited inclaim 6, further comprising a cover for sealing the second outlet.
 8. Anartificial rectum as recited in claim 1, further comprising agas-release valve.
 9. An artificial rectum as recited in claim 1,wherein the actuator includes: a remote transmitter for sending asignal; and a receiver coupled to the flow control device for receivingthe signal and actuating the flow control device in response thereto.10. An artificial rectum implantable in a patient for controllingdefecation, comprising: first means connectable in fluid communicationwith a large intestine of the patient for receiving a flow of fecalmatter therefrom; second means connectable to at least one of an analsphincter and tissue adjacent to the anal sphincter of the patient andcoupled in fluid communication with the first means for excreting fecalmatter therethrough; third means coupled in fluid communication betweenthe first and second means for controlling the flow of fecal matter fromthe first means through the second means; and fourth means coupled tothe third means for controlling actuation of the third means and, inturn, controlling the flow of fecal matter through the artificialrectum.
 11. An artificial rectum as recited in claim 10, wherein thefirst means is defined by an inlet adapted to be fixably coupled to thelarge intestine of the patient and forming a pressure-tight seal withthe large intestine.
 12. An artificial rectum as recited in claim 10,wherein the second means is defined by an outlet adapted to besurgically attached to at least one of an anal sphincter and tissueadjacent to the anal sphincter.
 13. An artificial rectum as recited inclaim 10, wherein the third means is a pump.
 14. An artificial rectum asrecited in claim 10, wherein the third means is a valve.
 15. Anartificial rectum as recited in claim 10, wherein the fourth means is areceiver coupled to the third means for receiving a signal and actuatingthe third means in response thereto to induce a flow of fecal matterthrough the artificial rectum.
 16. An artificial rectum as recited inclaim 15, wherein the fourth means further includes a transmitter fortransmitting the signal to the receiver.
 17. An artificial rectum asrecited in claim 10, further comprising fifth means for releasing gasthrough the artificial rectum.
 18. An artificial rectum as recited inclaim 17, wherein the fifth means is defined by a conduit adapted to becoupled in fluid communication between the large intestine and theexterior of the artificial rectum.
 19. An artificial rectum as recitedin claim 18, further comprising a valve coupled in fluid communicationwith the conduit for allowing the passage of gas through the conduitwhen the pressure on an inlet side of the valve exceeds a thresholdvalue.
 20. A method for providing an artificial rectum in a patient forcontrolling defecation, comprising the steps of: providing an artificialrectum having an inlet, an outlet, and at least one flow control devicecoupled in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet;connecting the inlet of the artificial rectum in fluid communicationwith a large intestine of the patient; connecting the outlet of theartificial rectum to at least one of an anus and a tissue adjacent tothe anus of the patient; receiving fecal matter from the large intestinethrough the inlet of the artificial rectum, and controlling the flowcontrol device to selectively move the fecal matter between the inletand the outlet, and, in turn, discharge the fecal matter through theoutlet to thereby control defecation of the patient.
 21. A method asrecited in claim 20, wherein the step of connecting the inlet of theartificial rectum in fluid communication with a large intestine of thepatient includes fixably securing the inlet of the artificial rectum tothe large intestine.
 22. A method as recited in claim 20, wherein thestep of connecting the outlet of the artificial rectum to at least oneof an anus and a tissue adjacent to the anus of the patient includessurgically attaching the outlet of the artificial rectum to at least oneof an anus and a tissue adjacent to the anus of the patient.
 23. Amethod as recited in claim 20, wherein the at least one flow controldevice includes a valve, and the step of controlling the flow controldevice to selectively move the fecal matter includes opening the valveand permitting the flow of fecal matter between the inlet and outlet,and closing the valve and preventing the flow of fecal matter betweenthe inlet and outlet.
 24. A method as recited in claim 20, wherein theat least one flow control device includes a pump, and the step ofcontrolling the flow control device to selectively move the fecal matterincludes actuating the pump to pump fecal matter between the inlet andthe outlet.
 25. A method as recited in claim 20, wherein the step ofcontrolling the flow control device to selectively move the fecal matterbetween the inlet and the outlet includes remotely actuating the flowcontrol device to move the fecal matter through the artificial rectum.26. A method as recited in claim 20, wherein the step of receiving fecalmatter from the large intestine includes receiving gases from the largeintestine and venting the gases through the artificial rectum.